Faith in Every Student: Catholic Schools

January 27, 2005

Catholic schools, their administrators and their teachers, believe in each student's potential - to learn, to grow in virtue and wisdom, to become valued and outstanding members of their church, community and nation. Catholic schools nurture faith in every student - belief in God and a commitment to God, Church, and Christianity.

This week Catholic schools throughout the country come together to celebrate Catholic Schools Week, focusing on those elements that make Catholic education special.

Faith in every student begins at home, in the family, and in the parish. Thank you to our parents, parishes, and benefactors for all the ways that they support and nurture our schools.

Thank you to the local communities who support the activities of Catholic schools and their students - to build ties that enable them to connect with each other and to serve each other.

Thank you to the students for having confidence in the education being offered and in the sense of being able to practice and deepen their religious beliefs.

Thank you to our state and national leaders who supported resolutions regarding issues of significance to Catholic education everywhere.

Thank you to the men and women religious and clergy who established so many of our Catholic Schools throughout the nation and for their belief in Catholic education and in the students.

Last but not least. Thank you to the Catholic school teachers. Teachers and administrators in Catholic elementary and secondary schools hold a very important place in it. While parents and pastors are crucial in the education of children, without teachers and the administrative staff who assist them, Catholic Schools could not exist. So here's to Catholic school teachers and staff! No one has more Faith in Every Student.

May God bless all of you in your support of Catholic schools.

Linda Ebel
Director of Curriculum
Diocese of Sioux City